The car import trade continues to rise as dealers import new and pre-owned vehicles and car parts for sale or personal use. Some of the best car importers in Kenya source vehicles from Asia and Europe.
So far, Japan and the UK lead as the biggest source of cars for Kenyan importers.
Those interested in acquiring cars for commercial and personal use try to identify the best car importers in Kenya and wonder about the regulations and tax policies governing the car import market.
Car importers act like go-betweens in the automotive industry, buying cars for Kenyan buyers and completing all the import requirements for a fee.
Many of them have showrooms and car bazaars where one can shop locally.
They also leverage online platforms for facilitating contact between exporters and local buyers and displaying available and prospective stock catalogues.
Some of The Best Car Importers in Kenya
SBT Kenya
SBT Kenya remains top among the holders of the lion’s share of car importers in Kenya.
Established in 1993, the importer deals in Japanese used cars.
It has several locations besides a robust website displaying available vehicles by brand, year of manufacture and costs, including purchase and importation fees.
Their locations and contacts include:
- SBT Kenya branch located at Nairobi Junction Mall
This location is a delivery centre and offers in-store buying. Their phone number is +254709315000.
- SBT Japan Ltd, Mombasa along Majengo Road TSS TWS.
You can reach them by phone on 0412319385.
- SBT Kenya Nairobi Office at Parklands Road
This outlet is another delivery centre whose phone number is +254709915000
Be Forward Kenya
Be Forward deals in pre-owned cars. Their offices are in Nairobi at Fourways Junction, Off Kiambu Road along the Northern Bypass, and their phone number is +254770070300.
Kai & Karo Limited
Kai & Karo is a leading dealer among the best car importers in Kenya that ships used and new vehicles from Europe, the Orient, and the Middle East.
They also import used and new vehicle parts and car accessories.Their contact is +254737665566.
East Africa Motors Limited
East African Motors Limited is a local and regional importer that supplies used cars from Japan and the United Kingdom for the Kenyan and East African markets.
Their email is sales@eaml.co.ke, and their phone contact is +254722596506.
Importing a Car from Japan
How long does it take to import a car from Japan to Kenya?
Although different dealers give varying timelines, it should take around 28 days to ship a car from the Japanese port to the Mombasa port.
Two weeks before the shipping period, the vehicle undergoes de-registration and Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ) inspection tests, after which the vehicle is transported to the shipping vessel and loaded.
The duration taken by procedures engaged before transportation and loading depends on the island of origin of the car.
Upon reaching the Kenyan Mombasa port, it undergoes a clearance process of 7-14 days.
Some dealers with websites such as japanescartrade.com/eastafrica/, for instance, display a breakdown of the timelines and procedures involved in shipping a vehicle from Japan.
Conclusion
Many companies and dealers are claiming to offer vehicle and car parts import services.
One should perform due diligence to identify the best car importers in Kenya.
It is best to deal with accredited dealers to avoid falling victim to scammers.
Shipping vehicles becomes a safe and quick process when a buyer allocates adequate funds to pay for all the buying, shipping, and clearance procedures involved to avoid delays.
